ON 25 FEBRUARY 1998 at the Military Audiology Short Course in Albuquerque, NM, the Military Audiology Association (MAA) awarded Ms. Charlene Scherr Fellow status. Ms. Scherr's coworkers and the MAA president subsequently honored her at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in a surprise ceremony on 5 March.
MAA elected Ms. Scherr for Fellow status for her life-long contributions to military audiology. While serving as Coordinator, Aural Rehabilitation (AR) at the Army Audiology and Speech Center (AASC), WRAMC, Ms. Scherr designed and led the Department of Defense's (DoD's) only comprehensive, extended AR program for over 8,000 military personnel. These individuals range from E-1 to O-10, assigned to all branches of the DoD. In addition, MAA recognized Ms. Scherr for her mentorship of military audiologists for the past 30 years. Ms. Scherr has been the preeminent advocate and champion of aural rehabilitation in the military. Her personal commitment to the rehabilitation of the hearing impaired has had a significant impact on the hearing health of the armed forces. The MAA is proud to have such an individual among its ranks.
MAA President's Note: In response to our recognition of Ms. Scherr, she sent me the following note:
Dear Lynn:
To say that I'm overwhelmed by the award that you and the MAA Executive Council have bestowed upon me would be quite an understatement. I will now try to express some of the words that failed me in the surprise of the moment. I hope you will convey this message to the other council members as well as to the entire MAA membership. The distinct honor of becoming a Fellow of the MAA is the crowning highlight of my career in military audiology - what a meaningful finale to my 34 years at Walter Reed! I feel privileged not only to have received the recognition but to have been placed among the ranks of the other Fellows whose illustrious careers are well-known to all of us. To have the respect and esteem of one's colleagues is an honor in itself, and I thank you all for your vote of confidence.
The associations I have had will all of the membership over the years have been positive, gratifying and rewarding. We have taught each other, learned from each other and supported one another in all our endeavors. It is this mutual support that has encouraged each of us to grow, to achieve, to accomplish and - dare I say it? - to be all that we can be! I have watched our organization grow from few to many; and despite the downsizing, our group is still a force to be reckoned with!
My whole-hearted gratitude to all of you - you all made this day and this award possible for me.
Sincerely,
Char
P.S. The MAA has to be the biggest and best group of secret-keepers in the world!
Charlene K. Scherr retired on 1 DEC 98 after 34 years at Walter Reed. A gala celebration dinner was held on 5 DEC 98, when many wonderful stories about military audiology made it a night to remember. Charlene and her husband Ed (who also retired from Federal Service recently) will remain in Potomac, MD, and enjoy their many interests.